Expectations are always high for Bethlehem Catholic’s wrestling program, but the Hawks might be looking at a new level this season with a highly-touted group entering the 2021 season.

With five state medalists back in the fold, including state champion Tyler Kasak, the Hawks were already plenty difficult to deal with. Add in their best freshman class in school history and Becahi could have all the tools needed to win the District 11 and PIAA 3A titles this winter.

After getting bounced from the state quarterfinals last year following a 29-26 loss to Central Dauphin, the Hawks will be back better than ever.

The key returners back this year include: Tyler Kasak (138/145) Jr. State Champ, Dante Frinzi (126/132, Harvard commit) Sr. State 4th, Cael McIntyre (120) Jr. State 6th, Andrew Harmon (152) Jr. State 7th, Landon Muth (160) Jr. State 8th and Trey Miletics (160) Sr. State Qualifier.

Nate Desmond (106) highlights the newcomers on this year’s roster, as he’s ranked seventh nationally for incoming freshmen entering the high school ranks.

The rest of the Becahi lineup consists of Fr. Shane McFillin (106), Sr. Charlie Pavis (113), Fr. Cole Campbell (113), Jr. Ashton Campbell (120), Fr. Ryder Campbell (120), So. George Pavis (120), Sr. Jake Costello (120), Sr. Fr. Kollin Rath (126-132), Fr. Marco Frinzi (126-132), So. Andrew Mayer (126-132), Jr. Ryan Pedrick (132), Jr. Riley Hughes (138), Sr. Nick Abi- Daher (138), Fr. Charlie Scanlon (145), So. Jake Dailey (145), Sr. Giovanni Bozzi (152), Jr. John Hulse (152), Jr. Luke Thomas (170), Fr. James Deluise (170-189), So. Dario Cruz (170-189), Fr. Auggje Warke (189), Jr. Nico Spezza (215) Jr. Mario Pastrana (215), Jr. Chris Reyes (215), Sr. Stephen Hattala (215), So. Jacob Lance (215), Jr. Elijah Thompson (285).

Kasak won the prestigious Ironman Tournament in Ohio over the weekend, taking home the 138-pound title with a victory over PJ Duke of Minisink Valley (NY) via injury default.

Desmond nearly gave the Hawks a second champion, as he reached the 106-pound finals, but fell to Beric Jordan of St. Paris Graham (OH) in sudden victory, 6-4.

Frinzi was the only other Hawk that placed at the tournament, as he took home a sixth-place finish at 126. The Hawks finished fifth in the team standings with 107 points behind national powers Blair Academy (176.5), Malvern Prep (146), Wyoming Seminary (137) and Stillwater (107.5).

Becahi has a busy week coming up as they open their EPC schedule on Wednesday at Liberty and then host Pleasant Valley the next night before hitting the road to Delaware this weekend for the Beast of the East tournament.